Day 1: Beijing, China

Your tour starts in Beijing with an included welcome dinner.

Day 2: Beijing

Start your day with a stroll through iconic Tiananmen Square before exploring the magnificent Forbidden City. Enjoy special access to the Treasure Hall and discover an array of imperial treasures. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 3: Beijing

Today’s destination is the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most incredible wonders. Learn about the wall’s history before taking a memorable walk on the Juyongguan section. Afterwards, visit a jade museum to learn about the jade-making process. Finally, return to the city, driving past the Olympic Village.

Day 4: Beijing

Today you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and then take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs. Meet a local family and enjoy a dumpling-making class before a traditional calligraphy lesson. Then, share a simple lunch with them. Later, take part in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Tonight, enjoy dinner featuring Peking duck.

Day 5: Beijing - Xian

Fly to the ancient city of Xian where the legendary Silk Road comes to an end. Tonight, celebrate during a traditional Xian dumpling banquet.

Day 6: Xian

Today, explore the incredible excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors. This vast clay army of 8,000 soldiers was created to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. Next, visit the Xian Arts and Ceramic exhibition centre to see life-sized models of the warriors being made. Then try a Xian speciality – hand-pulled noodles for lunch before enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 7: Xian - Yichang - Board Cruise Ship

After a short flight to Yichang, board your ship for a 4-night cruise on the Yangtze River.

Day 8: Cruising

Take a tai chi lesson on the sundeck as we sail towards the dramatic Xiling Gorge. Discover the impressive Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s welcome dinner and cabaret.

Day 9: Cruising

Explore the remote Shennong Stream in traditional pea boats before sailing through Wu Gorge, known for its 12 forest-covered peaks. This afternoon, continue on past the dramatic cliffs that surround the Qutang Gorge.

Day 10: Cruising

Arrive at Shibaozhai, where you can climb a 9 story red pagoda for stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside.

Day 11: Chongqing - Disembark Cruise Ship - Chengdu

This morning, disembark your cruise ship and journey to Chengdu. Upon arrival, spend your day at leisure and tonight, sample the fresh, bold flavours of the local Sichuan cuisine.

Day 12: Chengdu

Start your day with a visit to the Panda Breeding Sanctuary, home to the giant panda and red panda. This afternoon, visit Du Fu's Thatched Cottage, the former home to the poet known as the "Shakespeare of China. End your day by exploring Jinli Ancient Street with its traditionalstyle buildings.

Day 13: Chengdu - Guilin

Fly to Guilin to begin your 3-night stay. This evening, take a walking tour around Ronghu Lake.

Day 14: Guilin

Enjoy a full-day visit to the Longji Rice Terraces. Walk through the fields and the nearby villages, meeting local residents along the way.

Day 15: Guilin

Set out on a Li River cruise that takes you from Guilin to Yangshuo and past some amazing karst limestone scenery. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, visit West Street, where you can shop for a traditional painting or relax at one of the many cafés.

Day 16: Guilin - Shanghai

Experience the modern side of China as you take the super-fast Maglev train into central Shanghai. Then explore the past as we visit a silk  museum. This evening, take a cruise on the mighty Huangpu River.

Day 17: Shanghai

Take a sightseeing tour of Shanghai featuring the waterfront district, Old Town and Yuyuan Garden. Enjoy lunch at a celebrated local restaurant known for its xiao long bao soup dumplings. Then, visit the imposing Urban Planning Centre, the nerve centre of the city. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner before a marvellous acrobatics show.

Day 18: Shanghai

Your tour ends in Shanghai.

Collette brochure price from £3309

Travel 55 discount price from £3078

Telephone Collette Holidays on 0800 804 8700 and quote Travel 55 code NYC2